Pet/house sitters

[skybytch 273]

Ever used one?

My best buddy can't come to Rantoul with me - well, she could, but neither of us would have a whole lot of fun (she has seperation issues ). I won't put her in a kennel. She wouldn't dig that either. I'd prefer to leave her with someone she knows and likes but my regular Molly watchers (jceman and TLML) will be in Rantoul; one of her other favorite people isn't sure he'll be in town or not.

So, exploring all my options here, what's the deal with pet and house sitters? What would be a reasonable price for 2 weeks of sitting? Is there anything specific I should look for - licenses, association memberships, insured/bonded?

Oh and if you're in Florida for a couple weeks starting the 1st of August, like dogs and need a place to stay, lemme know.

[wmw999 2,588]

I use a friend of my son's regularly for that; I trust him, and the dogs like it better. I pay him about half what a kennel would cost, plus a tip. He's not a pro, so I have no idea what the going rate is.

They get 2 walks a day, fed, and some visiting/playing for that, plus they get to stay in their own house.

Wendy W.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[Nightingale 0]

if you use someone you don't know, check references.

Easiest thing to do is ask a neighbor who's about age 10-16 to watch her, and pay him or her, if you don't actually need someone to stay on the premises.

[gjhdiver 0]

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Ever used one?

So, exploring all my options here, what's the deal with pet and house sitters?

I use them all time. Go to http://www.petsitters.com and check out one in your area. They usually cost between $18-20 a day.

[jdfreefly 1]

I would look for a kennel that has a doggy day care kind of a feel. Especially if your dog like to play with other dogs.

My kennel is great, they have a huge fenced in area. Three times a day, all the dogs are let out to play with each other.

Be warned though, my dog usually comes back with a battle scar or two from things getting too rough. I am not the kind of dog owner who freaks out over a little scab on the ear, so to me it is no big deal. Plus, I know my mutt loves the exercise and meeting new dogs.

Look around and you should be able to find a kennel like that.

Under no circumstances should you ever leave your dog with a kennel that uses the "concrete run" method. These places are basically a step up from leaving the dog with the spca. It usualy has about a 5x5 foot indoor area and a 10x5 foot outdoor area. The dog goes in there when you drop them off and doesn't come out until you pick them up. My friends and I have had numerous problems with places like these.

Methane Freefly - got stink?

[Stacy 0]

My parents put their dog with the vet while they are gone. They had horrible experiences with various kennels, Max came home all bone and hadn't eaten the whole time (he actually has medication for separation problems- valium). The vet kept him out all day to wander around the lobby so he got tons of attentnion and people-time. He came home fatter than when he left. Check your local vet.
__

[mailin 0]

If you have a vet you feel comfortable with perhaps one of the vet techs would be willing to help out?

I had a co-worker do just that. Those vet techs are very trained and have lots of animal experience, and they're paid beans so would be willing to take on the 'side work'.

Good luck! Molly's gonna miss you!

Jen

Arianna Frances

[skydivegirl 0]

I used one when I lived in Birmingham and *loved* her. She loved my dog so much that she offered to take her home with her to play with her dog (of the same breed) while I was away. I agreed... and for about 2 years, my dog (Mollie ) would stay at her house and sleep in her bed while I was out of town.... I just got some info from a new girl since I've moved to Nashville and will be using her while I'm in Rantoul.

Just make sure they're bonded & insured.. and of course ask for referrences. Most of the time they will tell you all this info upfront. Also, ask if your name/address will be attached to your key (my pet sitter uses a numbering system so no one can just pick up my key & get in my place).

Mine costs $15 per visit.. unless she has to make more than 1 visit per day. In that case it's $12 per visit.

Good luck

Pink Mafia Sis #26

[Snowbird 0]

We get a house/pet sitter whenever we go away for an extended time. Often we get a friend to look after our place. For the Invasion in January, we had the adult son of a friend look after things, he did a great job.

I'd feel odd having a stranger look after things, even if they do it 'professionally'.

We left our pooch at a well-recommended kennel once. ONCE. She was miserable. We felt like pions. Low life scum. The LOOK she gave us when we left...

Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea.
-Robert A. Heinlein

[happythoughts 0]

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what's the deal with pet and house sitters?

An attorney told me that people leave their houses, etc to a pet caretaker in their will.

I told him that I would be willing to do that, but that the dog was going to need a sailboat to be truly happy.

[Nightingale 0]

my kitties stay at the vet's when my roomie and I are out of town. works well for all involved.

[slug 1]

Hi Bytch

The "boss" and I take seperate vacations, we used to take the hounds with us but this way is a lot easier on everyone.

We live close to a women's prison take has a boarding program for hounds, they also do training for assisted living dogs. If you got a prison close by give em a call.

R.I.P.

[GiaKrembs 0]

I used an "official" pet sitter last year, however had a very bad experience (overdosed my cat on his meds). Since then I have been using a college student (friend of my cousin). She stays at my place and I pay her what I'd pay for a sitter ($15 per visit - figure 2 x day). Bonus, bonus, my cat's get all the attention of having someone there, and she gets some extra cash (starving college student).

Good luck!

Raddest ho this side of Jersey #1 - rest in peace brother
Beth lost her cherry and I missed it
.... you want access to it, but you don't want to break it.

[AirMail 0]

My cats stay at the local Cat Clinic. They are great people there and let my 2 out to roam around the clinic during the day. The only stange thing is that when I pick them up they seem to have learned a new language. Their meow is completely different than when I dropped them off. Strange.

P-

--
It's never too late to have a happy childhood.
Postal Rodriguez, Muff 3342